A new series of indicators which show the progress the country is making towards achieving economic growth while reducing damage to the environment is published by the UK Government‘‘s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).

The new Sustainable Consumption and Production Indicators, published for the first time today, show that progress is being made in some areas, but more needs to be done in other areas. The aim is to break - or decouple - the link between increasing economic growth and environmental damage; the indicators show to what extent this is being achieved.

The basket contains 18 indicators, which highlight the main issues and focus on both consumption and production impacts. The key messages are

· We have made good progress in reducing emissions of air pollutants (such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulates), in improving river quality and in redeveloping previously developed land · Further progress is required on reducing household and road transport impacts and there is some way to go before we can be sure that farmland bird populations are increasing · Our use of water and the levels of aviation emissions show no signs of decoupling from economic growth · Waste and fish stocks remain issues of concern requiring further monitoring

Defra Business and the Environment Minister Lord Whitty said:

"Economic growth does not need to lead to environmental damage. We can have a prosperous and competitive economy, enjoy the benefits of new products and innovations, and at the same time look to reduce our impact on the environment.

"Indeed new products can play a role in reducing environmental damage, for instance by being more energy efficient.

"Our new Sustainable Development Strategy Securing the Future sets out how we plan to go forward. We are committed to taking action to help reduce the environmental impacts of ‘‘products‘‘. The strategy set out a package of actions targeting producers, retailers and consumers to promote the development, production, purchase and use of ‘‘better‘‘ products. This set of indicators will help us monitor our progress against our proposals."